Properties of Solutions
1. Solution Vocabulary
A. Solution- a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
B. Solute-component in lesser concentration; the thing being dissolved
C. Solvent-component in greater concentration; the thing doing the dissolving
D. Solubility--maximum amount of material that will dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a
given temp.
E. Saturated solution- a solution containing the maximum amount of solute that will dissolve
under a given set of conditions. Saturated solutions are at dynamic equilibrium with any excess
undissolved solute present. Solute particles dissolve and recrystallize at equal rates.
F. Unsaturated solution- a solution containing less than the maximum amount of solute that
will dissolve under a given set of conditions. (more solute can dissolve)
G. Supersaturated solution- a solution that has been prepared at an elevated temperature and
then slowly cooled. It contains more than the usual maximum amount of solution dissolved. A
supersaturated solution is very unstable and the addition of a “seed crystal’ will cause all excess
solute to crystallize out of solution leaving the remaining solvent saturated. (rock candy is made
this way)
H. Miscible—When two or more liquids mix (ex. Water and food coloring)
I. Immiscible—When two or more liquids DON’T mix.--they usually layer if allowed to set for
a while. (ex. Water and oil)
Properties of Solutions
1. Solution Vocabulary
A. Solution- a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
B. Solute-component in lesser concentration; the thing being dissolved
C. Solvent-component in greater concentration; the thing doing the dissolving
D. Solubility--maximum amount of material that will dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a
given temp.
E. Saturated solution- a solution containing the maximum amount of solute that will dissolve
under a given set of conditions. Saturated solutions are at dynamic equilibrium with any excess
undissolved solute present. Solute particles dissolve and recrystallize at equal rates.
F. Unsaturated solution- a solution containing less than the maximum amount of solute that
will dissolve under a given set of conditions. (more solute can dissolve)
G. Supersaturated solution- a solution that has been prepared at an elevated temperature and
then slowly cooled. It contains more than the usual maximum amount of solution dissolved. A
supersaturated solution is very unstable and the addition of a “seed crystal’ will cause all excess
solute to crystallize out of solution leaving the remaining solvent saturated. (rock candy is made
this way)
H. Miscible—When two or more liquids mix (ex. Water and food coloring)
I. Immiscible—When two or more liquids DON’T mix.--they usually layer if allowed to set for
a while. (ex. Water and oil)